Naegleria Fowleri: Understanding The Brain-eating Amoeba

Dr Akash Prabhu July 25, 2024
The unfortunate deaths of three young children in Kerala due to Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the 'brain-eating amoeba,' have sparked nationwide curiosity and raised significant concerns about this rare brain infection. In this article, we will explore the details of this rare brain infection, including an in-depth look at the symptoms of brain-eating amoeba, its causes, preventive measures, and more.

What Is Brain-eating Amoeba?

Naegleria fowleri also known as the brain-eating amoeba is an organism that inhabits warm, shallow freshwater bodies worldwide, including rivers, lakes, and hot springs. This amoeba can thrive in soil as well. As it can survive and thrive independently without a host, it is considered a free-living organism. The disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) affects those who are afflicted by this amoeba. PAM is a very dangerous central nervous system infection that can be lethal if left untreated. 

How Can Naegleria Fowleri Cause Infection?

Naegleria fowleri can infect people, especially young children, through the following ways:
  • Waterborne Transmission: Typically, infection occurs when contaminated water containing Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose. This can happen during activities such as swimming in freshwater lakes, rivers, or hot springs or using contaminated tap water for cleaning nasal passages.
  • Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): Once inhaled through the nose, Naegleria fowleri can travel to the brain, causing a rare but often fatal condition known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
It's important to note that drinking water contaminated with the amoeba does not transmit Naegleria fowleri infection, it has to enter the body through the nasal passage. This infection cannot be contracted from another person or spread to other people. However, if you think you have come in contact with the amoeba or consumed infected water, it is advised to seek medical assistance to prevent any tragic outcomes. 

Symptoms Of Brain-eating Amoeba

Around five days after infection, Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis' (PAM) initial symptoms usually appear. However, they may begin as soon as one day or as late as twelve days post-infection. Early signs of PAM include:
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
Later PAM symptoms may include:
  • Hallucinations
  • Stiff neck
  • Fatigue
  • Epilepsy
  • Coma
Unfortunately, most people with primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms occur. Typically, the disease progresses rapidly, often leading to coma and death within about 5 days.

Understanding The Brain-eating Amoeba Treatment

Brain swelling and tissue destruction are two effects of Naegleria fowleri. Tragically, this infection has claimed the lives of over 97% of PAM patients. Experts have found it challenging to design the brain-eating amoeba treatment since PAM advances swiftly.   However, certain medications are currently used to treat PAM, such as:
  • Amphotericin B
  • Azithromycin
  • Fluconazole
  • Rifampin
  • Dexamethasone
  • Miltefosine
Please Note: The above mentioned medicines are to be used only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your treating neurosurgeon. 

Preventive Measures

Given the dire outlook for this condition, prevention remains crucial despite its rarity. Here are key points to remember:
  • Use nasal plugs when swimming, wading, or participating in water sports in warm freshwater areas, particularly still waters. 
  • In case Naegleria fowleri is detected or suspected to be present, avoid entering the water. 
  • Never clean your nasal passages with tap water. Use sterile or distilled water only. In case you have to use tap water, ensure that you boil it for a minute and then allow it to cool down. 
  • You should contact your healthcare provider immediately in case you experience a headache or fever after entering warm freshwater.  

Final Takeaway

Learning about a condition caused by a brain-eating amoeba and understanding its potential danger can be frightening. If you suspect you have been exposed to the amoeba, seek medical assistance immediately. It's crucial to note, however, that this condition is extremely rare. Taking precautions such as using only distilled or sterilized water for nasal rinsing and avoiding potentially contaminated water, especially in warmer climates, can help prevent infection.

FAQs

  • Is there any cure for brain-eating amoeba?
Currently, there is no widely accepted cure for infections caused by Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba. Treatment options are limited and generally include aggressive management of symptoms to try to reduce brain swelling and inflammation. 
  • Is it possible for me to contract brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) by interacting with an infected person? 
No, there have been no documented cases where the infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) spread from person to person. 

References